The need for more local control on hydraulic fracturing could not be more clear. It's an issue that will continue to come up in communities, particularly along the front range, constantly. What the state desperately needs is for the legislature and the thus-far unresponsive governor to work with municipalities to come up with a structure that would allow for natural gas extraction and local zoning and other controls. Are larger setbacks needed for wells? Many, many residents would say definitely. What about extending more local authority over traffic and noise? Yes, and yes. More inspectors? Yes.

In a split decision, the Camera editorial board decided not to endorse Longmont Ballot Question 300, which would ban hydraulic fracturing in the city limits. The ban would be part of the city's charter.

We think hodgepodge bans in Colorado are not an efficient energy strategy, especially as we attempt to reduce reliance on coal. We don't think a ban will withstand lawsuits -- considering past rulings -- and we think the City of Longmont may well wind up spending a small fortune trying to defend something that will be thrown out.

But we think they were right to get the issue talked about statewide. And any legislator, present or future, should be listening very closely.

A roundup of our endorsements will be in Sunday's newspaper. -- Erika Stutzman, for

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